Timely information from Emerson Ecologics!
Going back to school after having the summer off can be exciting for some students but stressful for others. The back to school bustle can come with its share of both anticipation and anxiety. The flurry of activity can be difficult for some students, especially those who struggle with concentration, separation or other issues that can surface during this transition period.
Going back to school after having the summer off can be exciting for some students but stressful for others. The back to school bustle can come with its share of both anticipation and anxiety. The flurry of activity can be difficult for some students, especially those who struggle with concentration, separation or other issues that can surface during this transition period.
It’s true that some worries about schoolwork, schedules and socialization is only natural. However, ongoing worries and anxiety could indicate that the child needs additional support. One all-natural ingredient to consider is L-theanine, the amino acid in green tea. Many studies have shown that L-theanine can promote a state of relaxation without drowsiness or other negative side effects. In fact, L-theanine has had GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status since 1994, which means there are no adverse reactions or contraindications.
A 2013 study featuring 5th year university students found that L-theanine suppressed the initial stress response compared to placebo as shown by the low levels of salivary α-amylase activity, which are typically increased during times of stress. The students took 200 mg, twice daily after breakfast and lunch for a total of ten days.
Another study published in 2011 demonstrated that L-theanine, specifically the Suntheanine brand, helped improve sleep quality in young boys age 8 to 12 who had difficulty concentrating. In this study, the boys took two chewable tables twice daily for a total of 400 mg of L-theanine.
In addition to L-theanine, there are many calming homeopathic formulas that can be used to help ease anxiety in kids who are going back to school. B vitamins, magnesium, lavender and passionflower have also been shown to have calming properties. Suntheanine and other pharmaceutical -grade products can be purchased directly through Wellevate, our supplement supplier at 20% off retail prices. Click here to get started or visit the "Vitamins & Supplements" tab on our website.
Experts from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center also recommend that parents start prepping children for the upcoming back to school transition a week or two before school is scheduled to start. Getting back into the back-to-school routine before school starts can help. These experts also recommend acknowledging the child’s worry and then reassuring them that it will soon get easier and they will soon be having fun.
Transitions and change are not always easy. For some children, back to school can be one of the most anxiety-producing events of the year. By utilizing a combination of calming supplements combined with some proactive planning, children can have a better experience with this transition.
Selected References:
Appleton J. Natural Medicine Journal. 2012;4(2).
Boyle NB, Lawton C, Dye L. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):429.
Lyon MR, Kapoor MP, Juneja LR. Altern Med Rev. 2011;16(4):348-54.
Unno K, Tanida N, Ishii N, et al. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2013;111:128-35.
Boyle NB, Lawton C, Dye L. Nutrients. 2017;9(5):429.
Lyon MR, Kapoor MP, Juneja LR. Altern Med Rev. 2011;16(4):348-54.
Unno K, Tanida N, Ishii N, et al. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2013;111:128-35.
